Folkestone Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Folkestone poster

Every year in Folkestone, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, all over the county of Kent we gather around the bonfire.

What should you know about Folkestone's bonfire night?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event and is one of those incredible festivities.

But what does it signify and why do people love these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night here.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I while also attempting to blow up the parliament in the UK.

In 1605 this happened, and people have celebrated Bonfire Night ever since.

At that time there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was seen as being against the Catholics.

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring about the return of Catholicism to its rightful place.

The supporters came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

The king was present and the plan was to kill him.

A member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament, but got cold feet.

The other conspirators were taken into custody once they learned of the plan.

The Parliament shared that the conspirators had been caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to make the 5th of November a day to be thankful for, and therefore the tradition of lighting up bonfires.

We decided to go to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the UK

Despite the fact that its origins are sinister, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event over the years.

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers to "Bonfire Night or the Fireworks Night" because the focus was on having fun.

The event of the 20th century looked similar to what we are currently experiencing.

What are you going to wear for the events?

Depending on where they live, people tend to dress up in various costumes for Bonfire Night.

This approach is quite interesting and in preparation for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a good time for most people to show off their winter wardrobe.

Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit with a classical touch is typically the right way to go here.

You don't have to wear a costume if you have a proper outfit that protects you from the cold weather.

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers when they parade in costumes.

This is a clear nod to the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and his band to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.

The majority of the time, these events include a firework display and a large bonfire.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

There are lots of amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, there are usually large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event where everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other people.

With some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember, you will also get to enjoy some great firework displays.

There are some traditions:

  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. The crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people heat up soup. It is possible to cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. People eat the parking cake on Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money for fireworks, a few days before Bonfire Night. In some regions, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was planning to blow up the Parliament.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, similar to a bird. This effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, it is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • Some of the largest firework displays are in the biggest cities. You are bound to find firework displays and bonfires all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels can be carried on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, to blow up the Parliament building.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?

The Bonfire Night events are more than just a celebration with fireworks.

There are many things associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are all related to the Bonfire Night.

These are eaten throughout the country, and some regions even have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well.

It is important to note that some families eat soup and share it with friends.

At the end

Every year, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

It’s a great opportunity for people to reconnect, celebrate and also enjoy some amazing foods.

It is one of those events that has impressed people over the years.

Even if the origins of the event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it has evolved into a more community-friendly event.

The most important parts of Bonfire Night are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this event to continue for many years.

Folkestone Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Folkestone, Folkestone and Hythe, Kent, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Folkestone Bonfire Night